From Desolation to Redemption

October 22, 2024
Planting a new seedling in the land of Israel (Shutterstock.com)
Planting a new seedling in the land of Israel (Shutterstock.com)

For two millennia, the land of Israel remained desolate, barren of trees and vegetation, a haunting reflection of the exile of the Jewish people. The Bible foretells this desolation, as it says in Leviticus 26:32:

But the Bible also predicts the eventual revival of the land as a sign of redemption:

The sages of the Talmud identified this flourishing of the land as one of the clearest signs that the redemption is imminent. When the land begins to yield its produce again for the Jewish people, it signals that the time of exile is ending, and the era of redemption is approaching.

Throughout the centuries, many visitors to Israel remarked on the barren and unyielding nature of the land. Mark Twain, who visited in 1867, described it as ā€œa desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds.ā€ When the Jewish people were scattered in exile, the land refused to bloom. Attempts by other nations to cultivate it largely failed.

Yet, when the Jewish people began to return with the advent of modern Zionism in the late 19th century, something miraculous happenedā€”the land began to blossom once more. Orchards, vineyards, and fields of produce sprang up where once there had been only rocks and dry soil. As if awakening from a long slumber, the land responded to the return of its people.

This phenomenon is still evident today. In parts of Judea and Samaria, Arab towns often remain largely barren, while nearby Jewish communities are surrounded by lush greenery and thriving agriculture. It seems as if the land holds a unique connection to the Jewish people, flourishing in their presence. Yet, this revival is not limited to the Jewish people alone. The Bible also speaks of the role that non-Jews will play in the restoration of the land:

Isaiah envisions a future where ā€œstrangersā€ and ā€œaliensā€ will assist in rebuilding the ruins and cultivating the fields. In other words, when Gentiles join forces with the people of Israel, their combined efforts bring about even greater fruitfulness.

This partnership can be seen in initiatives like Israel365ā€™s drive to plant trees in Israel in memory of the victims of the October 7 tragedy. Such efforts, involving Jews and Christians alike, fulfill the biblical vision of renewal and healing for the land of Israel. As the land continues to blossom and bear fruit, it stands as a powerful symbol of hope and redemption, not just for the Jewish people, but for all those who work together to restore its beauty and vitality. The landā€™s transformation is not merely agricultural, rather it points to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the dawn of a new era of peace and unity.

Since Oct. 7th, thousands of acres of Israeli forests have been destroyed.Ā Rebuild Israel and honor the victims of Oct. 7th by planting a tree in Israelā€”an enduring symbol of hope and resilience.

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